Head of Finance – Executive Leadership

About the role

The Head of Finance will partner directly with the CEO and senior leadership to shape the financial strategy of an education‑focused organization operating across multiple entities and locations. This senior role drives performance, ensures robust governance, and leads the finance function through transformation.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board on business and financial strategy.
• Lead FP&A, budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning.
• Drive revenue, EBITDA, margin, cash‑flow and working‑capital performance.
• Oversee financial modelling, scenario analysis and strategic business cases.
• Manage financial performance across multiple brands, entities and sites.
• Evaluate CAPEX, investments, expansion opportunities and capital allocation.
• Support M&A, due diligence, joint ventures and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee treasury, liquidity, banking relationships and funding requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls, risk, audit and tax compliance.
• Lead ERP implementation, finance automation and digital transformation.
• Build and lead a high‑performing finance team.

Required profile

• 15+ years of progressive finance leadership experience.
• Recent role as Head of Finance, Finance Director, Financial Controller, Deputy CFO or equivalent.
• Professional qualification: CA, ACCA or CPA (mandatory).
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or related field; MBA or Executive MBA strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with CEOs, Boards or shareholders.
• Multi‑entity, multi‑site, multi‑brand P&L experience.
• Exposure to UAE/GCC or international markets; M&A or restructuring experience is a plus.

Required skills

• Financial Modeling
• ERP systems
• Forecasting
• Budgeting
• Risk Management
• Cash Flow Management
• Working Capital Management
• Treasury Management
• Internal Controls